Chirri & Chirra, in the Night - (Hardcover)

About the Book

With the light of their trusty bicycles and a glorious full moon illuminating the darkness, Chirri and Chirra take on the night, accompanied by their new cat friends.

Book Synopsis

A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years Selection!

Chirri and Chirra frolic in the moonlight in the latest whimsical adventure of this much-beloved picture-book series from Japan.

With the light of their trusty bicycles and a glorious full moon illuminating the darkness, Chirri and Chirra go on a nighttime adventure, accompanied by their new cat friends. From fizzy full-moon drinks that give them cat ears and tails to sparkling flower necklaces that grant them access to a special night market, the inseparable duo enjoys all the dreamy treats that the Full Moon Festival has to offer, basking in the warmth and light of discovery, generosity, and friendship.

Review Quotes

Featured in New York Magazine's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Best Books to Gift to Little Kids! "It's simple, and the colored-pencil illustrations are very charming--the best imaginative treats."--Illustrator Sarah Jacoby "New York Magazine's The Strategist"

STARRED REVIEW! ★ "This is a gentle magical adventure with two intrepid explorers who love to try new things. The lovely soft colored pastel art shows a happy world with no adults and lots of friendly cats. The smaller size makes the story that much more cozy, with the landscape orientation offering lovely panoramic views of the trip. It's hard not to smile while reading this sweet story. Fans of the previous adventures of Chirri and Chirra will be thrilled with this new offering."--Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library (Arlington, MA) "Youth Services Book Review"

• A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years Selection
• A New York Magazine 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Selection

One of the Wall Street Journal's "20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years: Most Beguiling Picture-Book Series!" "These enchanting books are like a dream of childhood--full of kindness, adventure and eccentric delights."--Meghan Cox Gurdon "The Wall Street Journal"

"Chirri and Chirra have another fantastical adventure in this latest installment of the Japanese series... The text is spare and descriptive, while the charming, softly focused illustrations add detail and dimension. Chirri and Chirra are game for adventures and trusting of the characters they meet. Nothing remotely frightening interferes; it is all pure, gentle magic, fantasy, and lively imagination throughout. Sweet, wonderful make-believe. More of this duo, please."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"I love a book that is just so clearly written to access the world inside a child's mind... It's an adventure to nowhere and everywhere and is so visually enchanting."--Comedy writer and bestselling author Bess Kalb "New York Magazine's The Strategist"

"In this latest addition to the popular Japanese series, Chirri and Chirra ride their bicycles into an enchanted forest on a moonlit night. There they join the Full Moon Festival and have a fanciful adventure... Their friendly cat hosts provide entertainment, magic, and friendship. Muted illustrations in pencil and pastel complement the gentle story, which will be enjoyed for its playfulness and humor. A very worthwhile, calming addition for story time or one-on -one reading. This exceptionally tender work will be a soothing read-aloud at story hours."-- "School Library Journal"

"3- to 8-year-olds will read with envy. In cozy, soft and inviting pictures, we see Chirri and Chirra receive flowers strung on necklaces to use as tickets when they join all manner of cats at a Full Moon Festival... Conjuring realms of kindly animals and witty, serendipitous delights, Kaya Doi's work exudes real childhood magic."-- "The Wall Street Journal"

About the Author

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start in picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku Workshop, held at a Tokyo bookshop specializing in children's books. Since then she has created many picture books featuring her delicate color-pencil drawings. She lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues.

David Boyd is assistant professor of Japanese at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His translations have appeared in Monkey Business International, Granta, and Words Without Borders, among other publications.